02/06/2011
NEWS STORY
It is understood that following a disappointing start to its second season, Virgin has opted to part company with its technical director Nick Wirth.
The team, usually one of the most active on Twitter, has yet to officially announce the move which is complicated by the fact that Wirth owns a stake in the Russian outfit.
In addition to quitting his role as technical director, Virgin is to sever its ties with his company WR Technology, which provides technical and design services for the team.
When Virgin joined forces with Wirth, the Englishman finally had an opportunity to prove that a car designed entirely with CFD could succeed in F1. Just six races into the second season it is clear that the dream has failed.
It is understood that on the back of its poor start to the season, a crisis meeting was held in Monaco over the weekend which was attended by former Renault engineering boss Pat Symonds, who was sacked for his role in the Spygate scandal and is still banned from holding a front of house role in F1. However, in his role as a consultant, Symonds is understood to have suggested that the team follow a more traditional design route. Wirth did not attend the meeting.
Wirth's split with Virgin comes at a time when the Italian media claims that Virgin is seeking a technical collaboration with McLaren-Mercedes similar to Force India's. According to reports, the deal would see the Virgins using Mercedes powerplants and KERS next season and McLaren providing the suspension.
If true, this would have a knock-on effect on Cosworth which is already rumoured to be losing one of its existing customers to Renault.